Activity Plan Generator (APGEN), now at version 5.0, is a computer program that assists in generating an integrated plan of activities for a spacecraft mission that does not oversubscribe spacecraft and ground resources.
APGEN generates an interactive display, through which the user can easily create or modify the plan. The display summarizes the plan by means of a time line, whereon each activity is represented by a bar stretched between its beginning and ending times. Activities can be added, deleted, and modified via simple mouse and keyboard actions. The use of resources can be viewed on resource graphs. Resource and activity constraints can be checked. Types of activities, resources, and constraints are defined by simple text files, which the user can modify. In one of two modes of operation, APGEN acts as a planning expert assistant, displaying the plan and identifying problems in the plan. The user is in charge of creating and modifying the plan. In the other mode, APGEN automatically creates a plan that does not oversubscribe resources. The user can then manually modify the plan. APGEN is designed to interact with other software that generates sequences of timed commands for implementing details of planned activities.
This program was written by Pierre Maldague, Dennis Page, and Adam Chase of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Software category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-3425. Refer to NPO-40520.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
APGEN Version 5.0
(reference NPO-40520) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Software Reporting Form for APGEN Version 5.0 (Activity Plan Generator), developed by the California Institute of Technology's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under NASA's sponsorship. It outlines key aspects of the software, including its purpose, funding, hardware requirements, and dissemination plans.
APGEN is designed to provide a user-friendly interface for creating and modifying activity plans, which are presented in a timeline format. This functionality is particularly useful for managing complex projects, allowing users to visualize and adjust their plans effectively.
The software is classified as "MATURE," indicating that it has undergone extensive testing and is ready for operational use. It is recommended to run APGEN on a SUN platform with Solaris 8 or 9, specifically on a Sun Ultra 10 or greater, to ensure optimal performance.
Funding for the development of APGEN comes from NASA, with a total estimated development cost of $2,100,000. The document specifies that there are no additional anticipated development dollars, and it includes a contact person, Ralph Reichert, for inquiries related to the software.
The document also addresses the dissemination of the software. It confirms that there is a mission or programmatic requirement to share APGEN with external collaborators and that there are outstanding requests from government agencies for the software. The dissemination will typically be managed through the Open Channel Software Foundation, which has an agreement with Caltech to host JPL-developed software. This arrangement allows for a dedicated web page for APGEN on the Open Channel site, where users can access the software and related updates.
Additionally, the document emphasizes the importance of following established procedures for software dissemination, including obtaining necessary permissions from non-JPL developers if applicable. It also encourages collaboration with the Intellectual Property Office to ensure compliance with regulations regarding software release.
Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive overview of APGEN Version 5.0, detailing its capabilities, requirements, and plans for distribution, while highlighting NASA's commitment to making technological advancements available for broader use.
